Meyer is a surname of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "meier," which means "farmer" or "grains merchant." The name was originally an occupational title given to individuals who worked on estates or owned farms.
The earliest recorded spelling of the surname Meyer dates back to the 13th century in Germany. Over time, the name spread throughout Europe and can now be found in various countries with significant German immigrant populations, such as France, Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands, and the United States.
In some instances, Meyer has been used as a given name rather than a surname. When used as a given name, it is often associated with Jewish families, particularly those of Ashkenazi descent.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the surname Meyer. These include Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer, a German entomologist known for his work on beetles; Herman Meyer, an American physicist who contributed to the development of radar technology; and Meyer Lansky, an influential figure in organized crime during the mid-20th century.
While Meyer has no specific meaning or associated traits when used as a given name, its origins and history provide insight into its cultural significance. As an occupational surname, it reflects the importance of agriculture and trade in medieval European society. Today, individuals named Meyer can take pride in their unique heritage and the rich history behind their name.
Based on the provided statistics, we can observe the fluctuations and trends of babies named Meyer born annually in the United States over time.
From 1881 to 1923, the number of births with the name Meyer varied between a low of 6 births per year up to a peak of 143 births in 1912. The years around World War I saw an increase in popularity for the name Meyer, with over 100 babies being named Meyer each year from 1912 to 1917.
However, after this period, the popularity of the name Meyer began to decline steadily. By the late 1920s and early 1930s, fewer than 50 babies were being named Meyer each year. This downward trend continued throughout most of the mid-20th century, with some years seeing as few as 6 births.
Interestingly, starting around the late 1970s, there was a slight resurgence in popularity for the name Meyer. From 1978 to 1983, the number of babies named Meyer increased from 13 to 21 births per year. This trend continued into the early 1990s, with peaks of 26 births in 2000 and 56 births in 2012.
More recently, the popularity of the name Meyer has shown some growth once again. From 2018 to 2023, there were over 60 babies named Meyer born each year in the United States, with a notable peak of 101 births recorded in 2023.
In conclusion, while the popularity of the name Meyer has fluctuated significantly over time, it has maintained a consistent presence in the United States. Despite periods of decline, there have been several instances where the name Meyer regained some popularity, most notably during and after World War I, as well as in recent years. Overall, since 1881, there have been a total of 5215 babies named Meyer born in the United States.